How to change the language on the phone Xiaomi: all ways and solutions to problems

Changing the interface language on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every second user faces after buying a device, and this is especially true for models purchased abroad: Chinese versions often come with firmware without Russian, and European versions can have a limited set of language packages. Even if your Redmi or POCO initially supports Russian, you sometimes need to switch to English to work with certain applications or return your native language after an accidental change.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the language on Xiaomi devices, including models with the help of the new model. MIUI 13/14, HyperOS, as well as installation firmware without Russian localization, you will learn how to add a missing language package, what to do if the desired language is not in the settings, and how to avoid typical errors, POCO F/X Other popular series, taking into account their features.

Why Xiaomi may not have Russian?

Before you change your settings, it is important to understand why the language is not available, which will help you choose the right solution.

  • πŸ“¦ Regional firmware, devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) These models are usually called C (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro C).
  • πŸ”„ After a hard reset, the phone may "forget" the added language packs, especially if the firmware has been modified.
  • πŸ› οΈ Custom firmware, informal assembly MIUI HyperOS sometimes contains a stripped-down set of languages.
  • πŸ“± An outdated version MIUI. In old firmware (e.g, MIUI 12 and below) language support may be limited.

If your Xiaomi is purchased from an official Russian store, but the Russian language is still missing, the problem may lie in incorrect software updates or system files failure, in which case flashing or restoring via Fastboot will help.

πŸ“Š Where did you buy your Xiaomi?
Official store in Russia
Online store abroad (AliExpress, Gearbest, etc.)
Local Reseller/Service Center
B/U of a private

Method 1: Standard language change via MIUI settings

It’s the simplest method that works on 90% of official firmware devices, and is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS.

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to Additional β†’ Language and Input (or Additional settings β†’ Language & Input in English).
  3. Click on the first item - Language.
  4. In the list of available languages, select Russian (or other languages you need). If you don't have one, click on Add language.
  5. Confirm your choice by clicking Ready or Set as Default.

After restarting the device (not always necessary, but recommended), the interface will completely switch to the selected language.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for language change

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Installation of the language package via MIUI bootloader

If the language is not in the settings, but your firmware supports adding it, you can manually install the language pack, which works for most global and European firmware (Global ROM, EEA ROM).

This will require:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi phone with Internet access.
  • πŸ”— Annex MIUI bootloader (bootloader from Mi App Store or APKCombo).
  • πŸ’Ύ Free space on the device (about 50-100 MB).

Step-by-step:

  1. Install and open MIUI bootloader.
  2. Go to the Language Packs section.
  3. Find the Russian language (or other necessary) in the list and click Download.
  4. After downloading, tap Install and wait for the process to be completed.
  5. Restart your phone and check for language in your settings (Settings β†’ Language & Input).

πŸ’‘

If MIUI bootloader does not find the language package you want, try updating the app or downloading it manually from Xiaomi.eu (the β€œLanguage Packs” section).

This method is suitable for MIUI 12-14 firmware and HyperOS. On Chinese firmware (China ROM), it may not work, in which case you will need a complete firmware reflash.

Method 3: Reflashing to the global version of MIUI

If your Xiaomi is originally designed for the Chinese market (China ROM), standard language change methods will not work. The only solution is to install a global firmware (Global ROM or EEA ROM) that includes Russian and other European languages.

Warning: Flashing is a process that requires caution, and doing the wrong thing can lead to a "bricking" of the device (completely inoperable). If you are not sure about your abilities, contact the service center.

  • ⚠️ Risks: data loss, bootloader lock, module failure (camera, NFC).
  • βœ… Pros: full localization, access to Google services, regular updates.

How to search Xiaomi on Global ROM:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
  2. Download the right firmware with Xiaomi Firmware Updater (choose Global or EEA for your model).
  3. Install firmware via Fastboot or Recovery (instructions depend on the model).
  4. Perform a reset to factory settings after installation.
What to do if the loader is blocked?
If you see a β€œCouldn’t unlock” or β€œDevice is locked” error when you try to unlock the bootloader, then your device is tied to the previous owner’s account, in which case you will need to contact the seller to unblock or contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

For POCO models (e.g. POCO X5, POCO F5), the process is similar, but the firmware is downloaded from the official POCO website.

Method 4: Using ADB to Force Language Change

If the language pack is installed but the system does not allow you to select it (for example, due to regional restrictions), you can apply ADB commands.

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).
  • πŸ› οΈ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download it in Android) SDK).
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Instructions:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
  4. Open the command line (or Terminal) and type:
adb shell


settings put system user_setup_complete 1




settings put secure user_setup_complete 1




settings put system locale ru_RU

After you've done the commands, restart the device. The interface should switch to Russian. If that hasn't happened, try replacing it. ru_RU on en_US (for English or other language code.

  • ru_RU β€” Russian (Russia)
  • en_US β€” English (USA)
  • uk_UA β€” Ukrainian
  • zh_CN β€” Chinese (simplified)

-->

Problem Solving: What to do if the language doesn’t change?

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the language stays the same or resets after the reset, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to eliminate them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Language resets after rebootingFailure in system settings or conflict of language packagesSettings β†’ About Phone β†’ Factory Reset
No Russian on the list, although Global firmwareCustom language package or update failure installedRemove all language packs via MIUI bootloader and reinstall Russian
After firmware, the language changed, but part of the interface is in Chinese.Not all systems support RussianUpdate all apps via Mi App Store or install Google Play Services
ADB-teams are not workingNo root access or blocking of system commandsTry executing commands on behalf of the superuser (adb shell su)

If none of these methods worked, there are two options:

  1. Contact the Xiaomi service center with a request to reflash the device.
  2. Buy a new phone with official global firmware (e.g., models labeled Global Version on the box).

πŸ’‘

Before visiting the service center, back up your data via Mi Cloud or Google Account. wizards may require a factory reset, which will remove all information from the device.

Features of changing the language on different models Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are the same β€” each series has its own nuances.

Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, 14 Series

The flagship models on HyperOS support language change without flashing, but may require language packs to be updated via MIUI bootloader. On the Chinese versions (China ROM), Russian is not available by default.

Redmi Note 12/13 Series

Budget smartphones often come with global firmware, but in some regions (for example, India) Russian may not be available. EEA ROM.

POCO F5/X5 Series

POCO devices are usually fully localized, but the Chinese versions (CN ROM) require manual firmware. Use the XiaomiTool V2 utility to automatically install the Global ROM.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Series

Xiaomi tablets often come with Chinese firmware. To change the language, you will need to unlock the bootloader and install Global ROM via Fastboot.

For an accurate definition of the model and firmware version, go to Settings β†’ About Phone and check the Model and MIUI versions fields.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the language to Xiaomi

Can I change the language to Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, if your firmware is natively language-supporting, use method 1 (through settings) or method 2 (via MIUI bootloader), if the language is not on the list, you need to flash it back.
Why do some apps stay in Chinese after changing the language?
This is because not all Xiaomi system applications are fully localized.Solution: Update apps via Mi App Store or Google Play. Install alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher). Use MoreLocale 2 (requires root) to force language changes of individual applications.
How to return Russian after updating MIUI?
Updating your firmware sometimes resets your language settings. Try: Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Language and Input and select Russian again. If you don't have the language, install it via MIUI bootloader. In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (data will be deleted!).
Can I install Russian on Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader?
Yes, but with limitations: If the firmware Global/EEA, use MIUI If China is firmware, you will have to unlock the bootloader (waiting required) 7–15 On some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10) You can bypass the lock through EDL-regime, but it's risky.
Where to download official firmware for Xiaomi?
Official firmware can be downloaded from these resources: Xiaomi Firmware Updater - the most complete archive. MIUI (Mi Account required. Site POCO β€” for devices in this series. ⚠️ Warning: Never download firmware from questionable forums – it may contain viruses or be corrupted.